Health group picks up grant

A new group looking to improve health in Murton has been boosted by funding from a leading housing association.

The Murton Wellbeing Group has been able to turn a successful trial into regular weekly sessions to help improve health in the community after securing support from believe housing.

The grass roots group, formed just a few months ago, has received £500 from believe housing’s community fund to purchase equipment including exercise mats, skipping ropes and sports equipment.

The group now offers sessions every Friday, featuring fun activities to help members improve their understanding of how to look after the body and take part in a range of activities including curling, carpet bowls, crafts and yoga. The sessions at Macrae House are designed to help with both physical and mental wellbeing with mindfulness, relaxation and one-to-one support also available.

Funding Officer at believe housing, Damian Pearson, said: “The group behind this project are so enthusiastic and it’s great to see the practical results from our support so quickly. When we created our community funding programme it was grass roots groups, like this one, that we had in mind.

“The team here have taken a relatively small amount of funding and turned it into a valuable resource for their community that will pay dividends for a long time to come.”

The Murton Wellbeing Group have also worked with other organisations including Wellbeing for Life to make their project successful. David Hall from Wellbeing for Life said: “The Wellbeing for Life service has worked with groups from Macrae House over the past year. The funding has enabled them to purchase exercise equipment which has made a big difference when participating in Eatwise and Exercise groups. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by this group has been inspiring.”

Katie Wooton from Murton Wellbeing Group said: “Since the group has started there has been a noted improvement in both physical and mental wellbeing among the users. We are all looking forward to growing the group in size and strength and stride towards a healthier future.”

Full details of the believe housing community grant programme are available here, or by calling 0300 1311 999.

The scheme provides funds of up to £500 and is designed to help new groups take their first steps as well as supporting longstanding organisations. The application process has been kept deliberately simple and funding decisions are made monthly to ensure groups are not waiting for lengthy periods to find out if they have been successful.

Any community organisation, non-profit making group, charity or school is eligible for the scheme.

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